c.1175, from Anglo-Fr.
manere, from O.Fr.
maniere (Fr.
manière), from V.L.
*manaria, from fem. of L.
manuarius "belonging to the hand," from
manus "hand" (see
manual). Most figurative meanings derive from the original sense of "method of handling;" which was extended when the word was used to translate L.
modus "method."
To the manner born ("Hamlet" I iv.15) is generally used incorrectly, and means "destined by birth to be subject to the custom."
Manners "external behavior in social intercourse" is attested from c.1385.
"Under bad manners, as under graver faults, lies very commonly an overestimate of our special individuality, as distinguished from our generic humanity." [Oliver W. Holmes, "The Professor at the Breakfast Table," 1858]
[man-er] 
) kind; sort: What manner of man is he? All manner of things were happening.